MCALESTER, Okla., Nov. 28 (UPI) -- An Oklahoma woman is seeking $2 million in punitive damages, alleging being shocked with a stun gun while in handcuffs in a jail amounted to police brutality.
Nakina Williams was arrested June 24 for assault with a dangerous weapon. While in handcuffs at the Pittsburg County Jail, she said McAlester police officer Sterling Taylor-Santino used his stun gun on her and lied about the circumstances on a use-of-force report. Initially, Taylor-Santino was unaware the incident between him and Williams, who stands less than 5 feet tall, had been captured on video and his initial report omitted the fact she'd been in handcuffs at the time, The (Oklahoma City) Oklahoman reported Wednesday.
The suit further alleges Taylor-Santino has had similar complaints of excessive force made against him in the past, creating a pattern of abuse.
"During his law enforcement career, (Taylor-Santino) has been involved with and instigated a disproportionate number of violent conflicts with suspects compared to other law enforcement officers in Pittsburg County," the federal lawsuit alleges. "Some of these resulted in allegations of excessive force being made by the suspects."
Taylor-Santino declined comment through his lawyer and remains on restricted duty at the McAlester Police Department, the newspaper said.
